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Arkansas News BureauThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

12:21 PM, Tuesday, October 09 2012 | 1070 views | 0 | 3 | |

LITTLE ROCK — Republicans say they expect to win majorities in the state House and Senate next month, while Democrats say they expect to retain control of the Legislature — but will a victory for either side have a significant impact on the lawmaking that happens at the Capitol next year?

Some lawmakers say they expect no major policy shifts, while others envision a decidedly more conservative Arkansas General Assembly regardless of which party rules.

Sen. Larry Teague, D-Nashville, Senate president pro tem-elect, said Arkansas lawmakers have traditionally worked in a bitpartisan manner. He said he does not expect that to change regardless of how the November election turns out.

“Hopefully we’ll all keep our eye on what is right and what is best for the state and for our people. If we do that, then I just don’t see it being a big issue,” Teague said.